A Word from Dr. Pfenninger Children's behavior changed by TV|

By the Midland Daily News

Published 8:00 am, Sunday, May 5, 2013

In the midst of the latest bombings, shootings and other tragedies, many have looked to gun control to improve things. Others point out that it is society that is the problem. Watching TV and anything with a screen — TVs, DVDs, videos and computers — now consumes much of children’s time and has also been blamed in part for these atrocities.

Two studies just published confirm that the quantity and content of television viewing by children may affect social behaviors long-term, with the effects lasting into adulthood. Previous studies have concluded that children imitate what they see on the screen. Reducing TV viewing time does reduce aggression in 9 year olds. The message has been out there for a long time that parents should turn the TV off and limit “screen time.” However, it hasn’t happened.

In the one recent study from New Zealand, 1,037 people were followed from birth to age 27. There was a significant increased risk for antisocial behavior in adults who had watched the most TV as children. Every extra hour of weeknight TV was associated with increase in the likelihood of having a criminal conviction by age 26.

In a United States study, 565 preschool-aged children were followed. The parents were provided with coaching to reduce viewing of violence on the screen. Screen time itself was not limited but the quality of what was viewed was controlled. This resulted in significantly less aggression and a marked improvement in more social behavior after as little as six months, compared to those whose programs were not supervised. Children who watched TV shows deemphasizing violent content and promoting programs focused on sharing, caring and education had higher social competence scores when tested.

Albert Einstein supposedly defined insanity as “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.” Physicians have been saying for years that parents should limit “screen time” to no more than two hours per day. Yet, U.S. children still watch three to four hours of TV daily. The message is the same today, but the behavior is not changing. As one commentator said, “I am pretty sure that this qualifies as insane.”

It appears, then, that the “screens” are going to be on. If that’s the case, content needs to be controlled if we are to make a difference.

The parents in the U.S. study that controlled content were fortunate to receive phone calls, mailings of customized TV program guides, and other aids to choose appropriate programs. The average parent is not that lucky. Apparently, CommonSenseMedia.org provides some help. In other areas, such as computer games, parents can have much more influence to limit violence. Parents need to realize they are in control and can make a difference. It’s important for the development of their children that they do. There is no argument that it is much easier to have “the kids” occupied with some “screen” or other. Evidence does conclusively show, however, that what children watch will shape their lives forever. They need adult guidance to assure it is the proper influence.

Dr. John L. Pfenninger’s column appears on Sundays. His office, Medical Procedures Center, is located in Midland.